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Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley
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About Us

2009worship01The mission of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley is to create loving community, inspire spiritual growth, and encourage lives of integrity, joy, and service. We are a welcoming and vibrant congregation, joyously supporting spiritual development guided by individual faith, reason, and conscience. We are committed to serving one another, the church community, the community at large, and the global community. We foster a spirit of generosity and trust that encourages care for our church home and affirms diversity and relationships consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles.

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we covenant to affirm and promote:

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person
  • Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
  • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

Members of UUCB commit to a covenant of right relations, guiding us in how we are with one another and with the larger world:

We covenant to build a religious community guided by love and sustained by respectful relationships. Believing that building healthy relationships is a spiritual practice, we aim to listen appreciatively, speak with care, express gratitude, honor our differences, and assume good intentions. We endeavor to communicate directly, honestly, and compassionately, particularly when we are in conflict. When we hurt one another, we will try to forgive, make amends and reconnect in a spirit of love. In celebration of the common purpose that unites us, we will do our best to abide by this covenant.

About Us
  • New to UUCB? Welcome!
  • Mission, Vision, and Covenant
  • What We Believe
  • FAQs about UU and UUCB
  • An LGBTQIA Welcoming Congregation
  • Accessibility of Building and Programs
  • History of UUCB
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    • Our Tree of Life Mosaic
    • Looking Back – Stories from 1991
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Chalice Circle Testimonials

Members of UUCB Chalice Circles comment on what the experience means to them.

Testimonials - Lynne Cahoon, Jane Lundin, Linda Laskowski and Natalie Campbell

Testimonials - Annemarie, Jean Bassel, Lenore Ralston and Dick Sherman

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that this church occupies land in Huchiun in the unceded territory of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people.  May we have the humility and courage to do our part to restore what has been broken and the wisdom to live into a new solidarity with Indigenous communities and the earth.

Special Events

  • Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Session 1: Trusted Source Connection)
    • September 16, 2026 - September 30, 2026
    • Discover a simple, practical way to reconnect with your own inner wisdom – the grounded, unwavering source of clarity that has always been present, waiting for you to listen.
  • Families in the Park
    • September 18, 2026
    • Join Rev. Marcus and Rev. Kathryn and othe UUCB families in Ohlone Park on Friday, Sept. 18. We'll start gathering at 4:30 and hang out for family fun and pizza dinner until about 6:30-7pm. We'll have a childcare worker to help keep an eye on the kids. 
  • UU THE VOTE POSTCARD WRITING PARTY
    • September 20, 2026
    • UUCB's Voting Justice project is helping folks in voter suppression states exercise their right to have a voice in shaping the future of our imperiled democracy. Our congregation has prepared thousands of postcards to be mailed in early October. But there's more to do! And we need your enthusiasm and help!
  • HEBREW BIBLE: An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals
    • September 21, 2026 - December 14, 2026
    • This eleven-session course, led by Rev. Dr. John Buehrens — former president of the Unitarian Universalist Association and author of Understanding the Bible: An Introduction (Beacon Press) — offers a guided, unhurried path through the text for people who are curious, doubtful, or simply want a deeper foundation than "Sunday school version" they may have grown up with. No prior knowledge assumed, and no belief required — just a willingness to read closely and ask real questions.
  • Hospicing and Outgrowing Modernity Book Discussions
    • September 27, 2026 - October 25, 2026
    • Join Rev. Marcus, writer Courtney Martin, and friends for an exploration of the theme of "hospicing modernity," drawn from a book of the same name by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira.So much is breaking down right now in our personal and political lives, but there is also potential for real breakthrough. Our consciousness, our communities, and our climate need us to grow up!
  • Bryan Baker and Friends
    • October 4, 2026
    • Bryan Baker & Friends October 4, 2026 at 1 pm in the Fireside Room Free; donations welcomed Classical Music's Great Love Triangle Chamber music and songs by the Schumanns - Clara and Robert - and Johannes Brahms The great pianist Clara and the great composer Robert are married, have six children and are among Europe's most celebrated musicians. They welcome a promising young composer, Johannes Brahms, into their lives. Soon Brahms will fall in love with Clara and complications follow, and amazing music!
  • Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Session 2: True Purpose Workshop)
    • October 14, 2026 - October 28, 2026
    • Discover a simple, practical way to reconnect with your own inner wisdom – the grounded, unwavering source of clarity that has always been present, waiting for you to listen.
  • Coming of Age for Adults
    • October 27, 2026 - November 17, 2026
    • This four-session series is designed for adults of all ages to explore their spiritual journey and religious identity. Participants reflect on how they got to now, engage with texts as they relate to their spiritual life, and craft a statement about who they are as a person of faith.
  • Creating Rituals Retreat
    • November 7, 2026
    • How do we create rituals that anchor our UU faith while expanding our spirituality? Rituals — whether quiet daily practices or shared communal moments — help us mark transitions, hold grief and joy, and stay rooted in what we value most. In this day-long retreat, we'll explore the role ritual plays across Unitarian Universalism and other spiritual traditions, reflect on the practices already present in our own lives, and experiment with creating new rituals.
  • Your Inner Compass Awaits: Find Grounding in Chaos (Session 3: UUCB's Purpose Workshop)
    • November 11, 2026 - November 25, 2026
    • Discover a simple, practical way to reconnect with your own inner wisdom – the grounded, unwavering source of clarity that has always been present, waiting for you to listen.
  • Contact Us

    1 Lawson Road
    Kensington, CA 94707

    (510) 525-0302

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    Land Acknowledgment

    We acknowledge that this church occupies land in Huchiun in the unceded territory of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people.  May we have the humility and courage to do our part to restore what has been broken and the wisdom to live into a new solidarity with Indigenous communities and the earth.

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    • September Board News September 10, 2026
      UUA General Assembly: Since UUCB is so close to the UUA General Assembly in San Jose in June 2027, a one-year task force will help plan and encourage participation—especially among youth. Melissa Rosales will serve as the main contact. Capital Projects: A five-year capital projects budget, updated each year, outlines UUCB’s priorities and funding needs. […]
      Beth Pollard
    • Now Open: Fall 2026 Chalice Circle Registration September 8, 2026
      Fall Chalice Circles start soon! Chalice Circles are a fantastic way to really get to know other folks at UUCB.   Sign up quickly to get the spot of your choice.  You can read through our Chalice Circles page for more info or check out this link to see your options. You can sign up […]
      Connections Coordinator
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